Killer Is Dead Review: Style Over Substance

One word that sums up Killer Is Dead is Style . It oozes with it but Grasshopper Manufacture (SUDA51) just doesn’t keep the momentum to bring it all in . You play as Mondo Zappa an executioner trying to take down the deadliest criminals and fighting his own personal demons. While the story doesn’t seem to be Killer is Dead’s strong point, you do meet a few likable characters along the way. Introductory cut-scenes leading into missions are very well done and set up the mood, each mission includes a different back story setting up all the events leading up to why your going there, you do meet some weird people and their motives.

Many of the areas throughout the game are stunning, the art style does lend a lot to the wow factor of Killer Is Dead. As you travel through many different environments, including city streets, wonderland, and even the moon, yeah they look different though none of them feel as dynamic as they should. Every-time you enter a new mission it feels like a barren waste land, not much interaction besides fighting with enemies, which all seemed very generic on their own right, they could have been designed better and have more variety.

Now boss battles I was actually impressed with the way some of them turned out, especially the battle were the camera switches to the first person view of the boss looking at you, while you’re trying to run towards them to give off a few deadly blows. It made them feel different each time since each of them has something different going for them. As you progress you can later upgrade your skills with the katana, your main way to attack or you cannon shot using Mondo’s cybernetic arm which takes blood to shoot, blood can be collected from killing enemies or found throughout the areas, some of the abilities are not necessary for you to run through the game .While the game is pretty, its real basic at its core I felt that it was to easy at times. You can get away with mashing the main attack button or by doing these easy to do one hit kill option using the blood you collect from enemies which leads into quick time events. Other weapons can be obtained by playing through mini-games, in particular this mini game has you going out on a date with one of Mondo’s girls. You win by being a pervert and focus your eyes in places while the girl is not looking to charm her up a bit , then you have to buy her presents to keep her attention. I thought it was real cheesy and just laughed at the entire concept, you can also participate in challenges which consist of killing a certain number of enemies or collecting items.
For having such a significant look, I kinda wanted the menus to look more in tune with the game, everything looks real basic and makes the game look cheaper than what it really is. Technically speaking Killer is Dead runs decently besides some screen tearing, there’s occasional slow down which can hinder you in dodging moves. One thing I also enjoyed was the music it’s a combination of lounge music , jazz, and some rock . I thought all of it felt right in place with Killer is Dead style.

Style is not everything Killer is Dead proves this. It’s fun for the first hours then Killer is Dead got repetitive half way in and I wasn’t having much fun . While boss battles kept things interesting they were too far between. If you have played Suda51’s pass offerings you are right at home with Killer is Dead. Action fans should expect an average game with a bizarre B movie themes, and some gorgeous visuals.

Jose Estrella

Hey guys! I’m Jose the second half of Dual Pixels and co-host of DPR. I enjoy fighters more than any other genre because I grew up playing them when I was a wee-lad. Looking forward to the future of gaming and more Spider-Man! Come on Sony you can do it.

1 Comment

Originally, I simply wished to explore some its overall themes albeit in a rather comprehensive and lengthy fashion. However, set within the context of being released so closely and concerning subject matter of considerable consternation to the less favorable reviews of Killer Is Dead, it has incidentally become, with little to no alteration to the original material, a defense of the game’s creative and structural decisions. To summarize, it explores the thematic significance of the Gigolo Missions, how they establish Mondo’s character arc, and manner in which the game’s story isn’t so much simple as it is understated.

These are the impressions and conclusions I drew from playing the game and hopefully it provides an intriguing and fresh perspective on it for you apart from the more cynical criticisms out there.

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